WO2012125038A2 - Piece of furniture provided with outward foldable table leaf and method therefor - Google Patents

Piece of furniture provided with outward foldable table leaf and method therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012125038A2
WO2012125038A2 PCT/NL2012/050164 NL2012050164W WO2012125038A2 WO 2012125038 A2 WO2012125038 A2 WO 2012125038A2 NL 2012050164 W NL2012050164 W NL 2012050164W WO 2012125038 A2 WO2012125038 A2 WO 2012125038A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
piece
furniture
table leaf
coupling means
leaf
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2012/050164
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012125038A3 (en
Inventor
Antoon Siefko Oosterhuis
Original Assignee
A.S. Oosterhuis B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by A.S. Oosterhuis B.V. filed Critical A.S. Oosterhuis B.V.
Publication of WO2012125038A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012125038A2/en
Publication of WO2012125038A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012125038A3/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B5/00—Suspended or hinged panels forming a table; Wall tables
    • A47B5/06—Suspended or hinged panels forming a table; Wall tables with legs for supporting the table on the floor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B83/00—Combinations comprising two or more pieces of furniture of different kinds
    • A47B83/04—Tables combined with other pieces of furniture
    • A47B83/045—Tables combined with cabinets

Definitions

  • the invention relates to pieces of furniture provided with an outward foldable table leaf. Such furniture saves space since the table can be stowed by being folded away.
  • the pieces of furniture are for instance cabinets.
  • Cabinets are known in practice which are provided on the front side with a table leaf which can be folded outward from a vertical stowed position, wherein the leaf is situated on the front side of the piece of furniture, to a horizontal position of use. Although such cabinets result in a certain space-saving, there is the problem that access to the cabinet is blocked when the table leaf is in folded-up position. The cabinet is only accessible by folding out the table leaf, which is awkward.
  • An object of the invention is to obviate the above stated problem and to provide a piece of furniture with an outward foldable table leaf, wherein the combination of the piece of furniture and table leaf does not limit the function of either, or hardly so, or even enhances it.
  • the table leaf comprises an outer end coupled to the piece of furniture for pivoting around a substantially horizontal pivot axis by means of a first coupling means such that the table leaf is pivotable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, characterized in that a second coupling means is present for holding the table leaf in the vertical position, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf is slidable in a substantially horizontal direction along the piece of furniture, wherein the second coupling means holds the table leaf in the vertical position such that the table leaf is prevented from being able to fold outward unintentionally during sliding thereof.
  • the piece of furniture is for instance a cabinet, wall units, room divider or kitchen furniture.
  • the table leaf being slidable in the vertical position achieves that the piece of furniture is also accessible when the table leaf is in this vertical folded-up position. In the vertical position the table leaf functions as a sliding door in the piece of furniture. This creates a space-saving, wherein the normal function of the piece of furniture is maintained .
  • the table leaf functions as sliding door, whereby objects placed in the piece of furniture, such as pots and pans, are hidden from view, this giving a tidy appearance.
  • This is particularly advantageous for a home office, wherein documents, files and equipment can be concealed from view and a worktable created in the horizontal position of the table leaf.
  • Providing the second coupling means achieves that the table leaf can be held in the vertical position. This prevents the table leaf unintentionally folding partially or wholly outward, for instance during sliding of the table leaf .
  • the second coupling means comprises a fixing means for holding the table leaf in the vertical position.
  • the fixing means for instance comprises a locking body such as a pin and/or a spring-mounted element which acts on the table leaf in the vertical position with a predetermined force such that the leaf is held in the vertical position. Additionally or alternatively, the fixing means comprises a magnetic element for holding the table leaf in the vertical position.
  • the second coupling means particularly prevents unintended pivoting of the table leaf while still allowing a horizontal movement along the piece of furniture.
  • the second coupling means preferably comprises a locking means for holding the table leaf in the vertical position.
  • the second coupling means can hereby be locked and unlocked.
  • the table leaf can hereby be locked in or unlocked from the vertical position.
  • the second coupling means therefore achieves that the table leaf can be locked in the vertical position such that the table leaf is prevented from being able to fold out unintentionally during sliding thereof .
  • a lockable and unlockable blocking means is optionally provided for respectively blocking and releasing a horizontal movement of the table leaf in the vertical position .
  • the second coupling means for instance comprises a guide which is arranged on a floor, or preferably on a ceiling, and which can be coupled to an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use.
  • the second coupling means is preferably embodied such that an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use can be coupled releasably to the piece of furniture.
  • a coupling means is for instance a rail or rail hinge.
  • the first and second coupling means are preferably adapted such that in the horizontal position the table leaf is also slidable along the piece of furniture in the horizontal direction.
  • the table leaf in the vertical position an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use is situated above the outer end coupled to the piece of furniture.
  • the maximum length of the table leaf is greater than that of a table leaf which can be tilted downward.
  • the maximum length of the table leaf is defined by the distance of the pivot axis from the floor. Since it is desirable for the table to be at a typical table height of about 70-120 cm when it is folded outward, the pivot axis will be located at such a distance from the floor, whereby the table length is limited to about 70-120 cm.
  • the distance of the pivot axis from the ceiling or the upper side of the piece of furniture forms the limitation to the length of the table leaf. This makes it possible to realize maximum lengths of 200 cm or more, depending of course per case on the delimiting dimensions.
  • the table leaf or sliding panel/door, has dimensions of for instance 140 x 120 cm.
  • a further advantage is that a user having to bend over in order to fold out the table is avoided.
  • the movement involved in folding the table leaf downward is less taxing for a user.
  • the second coupling means is particularly advantageous.
  • the table leaf can be tilted upward. Without the second coupling means the table leaf tends to fold outward under the influence of the force of gravity.
  • the second coupling means prevents this.
  • the first coupling means is particularly advantageous.
  • the piece of furniture comprises a guide to which the hinge can be coupled such that it is slidable in substantially the horizontal direction along the piece of furniture.
  • furniture comprises a horizontal element such as a top surface or plate and the guide is embodied as a recess provided therein, and the slidable hinge can be coupled to the guide by means of a guide carriage arranged in the recess.
  • the guide carriage provides for a bearing-mounted guiding of the slidable hinge.
  • the guide carriage achieves that the table leaf is slidable with little friction.
  • the guide carriage is preferably enclosed in the recess, i.e. the guide carriage lies in the recess such that it cannot be removed therefrom in simple manner.
  • the second coupling means comprises an extendable element or a recess provided in or on the table leaf.
  • the extendable element fits into a corresponding recess in the piece of furniture or in a ceiling.
  • the second coupling means comprises a recess
  • the table leaf On its outer end which is free during use the table leaf comprises for instance one or more extendable
  • protrusions which fit into a recess arranged in the piece of furniture .
  • the extendable element or the recess can be provided on the ceiling or the floor instead of on the piece of furniture.
  • the recess is preferably provided with a profile arranged therein, for instance of metal.
  • the table leaf In the horizontal position of use the table leaf preferably rests on a separate table leg which can also be used individually, for instance as coffee table, standing table or side table.
  • the piece of furniture comprises an outward foldable table leg connected to the table leaf.
  • the outward foldable table leg is preferably recessed into the table leaf, i.e. in any case partly received in a recess or opening intended for the purpose.
  • the piece of furniture comprises locking means for blocking the sliding of the table leaf in the horizontal position.
  • the invention allows an embodiment in which the table leaf can also slide in the horizontal position, for instance by lifting the leaf slightly during sliding and optionally a blocking in a substantially horizontal
  • the locking means can for instance comprise a locking provided in the first coupling means.
  • the first coupling means is embodied such that the table leaf is rotatable around a substantially horizontal rotation axis extending substantially perpendicularly of the piece of furniture .
  • the surface situated on the upper side in the horizontal position of use can be turned over.
  • This used surface will hereby be on the outside in the vertical stowed position of the table leaf. This prevents the used surface, which can become dirty, facing toward the piece of furniture in the stowed position, whereby the piece of furniture or objects stored in the piece of furniture can become dirty.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with an outward foldable table leg connected to the table leaf. Because the table leaf is rotatable, in the vertical stowed position of the table leaf the table leg will be on the side of the piece of furniture where it is hidden from view.
  • the first coupling means is for instance embodied as a ball joint or ball hinge.
  • the guide and/or the first coupling means comprise a magnetic element.
  • the first coupling means is embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf rests at least partially on the piece of furniture at the outer end coupled to the piece of furniture.
  • the piece of furniture comprises for instance a horizontal element such as a top surface or plate
  • the first coupling means comprises a hinge which is arranged on the lowermost zone of the horizontal element and is also coupled to the table leaf, wherein the distance from the rotation point of the hinge to the table leaf is such that in the vertical position of use the table leaf rests with its lower short side on the horizontal element.
  • the damping means achieves that the movement of the table leaf from the vertical position to the horizontal position is damped. This achieves a safe use of the table, and damage is moreover prevented.
  • the first coupling means comprises for instance a damped hinge.
  • the piece of furniture comprises a switch arranged at a position such that it is activated when the table leaf is situated in the vertical position and/or horizontal position. This achieves that an electronic circuit can be disabled or enabled when the table leaf is moved from its horizontal position to its vertical position, or vice versa. Lighting is for instance switched on or off.
  • Another embodiment relates to application of the invention in a kitchen.
  • the piece of kitchen furniture comprises here a gas cooker or electric cooker. When the table leaf is placed in the vertical position the switch is activated, after which the cooker is shut off from gas or electricity. This enhances safety.
  • the second coupling means is embodied as a spring-mounted element which co-acts with the first coupling means.
  • the coupling means are for instance integrated as a hinge with a spring tensioning.
  • the spring tensioning is preferably selected such that it holds the table leaf with a predetermined force in the vertical position, wherein the spring tensioning is smaller than the force necessary to move the table leaf from the horizontal position to the vertical position. This achieves that the spring tension is not so great that the table leaf folds up automatically, while it is sufficiently great to prevent the leaf folding out unintentionally.
  • the second coupling means comprises a magnetic element.
  • the piece of furniture comprises at least one vertical guide which is provided on the piece of furniture such that it is slidable horizontally along the piece of furniture, wherein the first coupling means is connected to the at least one vertical guide such that the first coupling means is vertically displaceable along the vertical guide.
  • the outer end of the table leaf which is free during use preferably lies in the vertical position under an outer end of the table leaf which is coupled to the guide.
  • the table leaf preferably folds downward from the horizontal to the vertical position, wherein the first coupling means moves upward along the guide.
  • a further advantage is that the side of the table leaf which is the bottom side in the horizontal position is also concealed from view in the vertical position. This side does not therefore need to be finished, which saves costs.
  • An optional fold-away table leg provided on the underside of the table leaf is also concealed from view in the vertical position .
  • a fixing means such as a locking means is for instance arranged on the free outer end of the table leaf to hold the table leaf in the vertical position.
  • the invention further relates to a method for providing a piece of furniture with an outward foldable table leaf so as to obtain a piece of furniture as described above.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, wherein the table leaf is in the horizontal position;
  • FIG. 2 shows the piece of furniture according to figure 1, wherein the table leaf cum sliding door is in the vertical position;
  • FIGS. 3A-B show a side view of the piece of furniture according to figures 1 and 2, wherein the table leaf is in the position of use, wherein figure 3A shows a partially cross-sectional detail view of 3B;
  • FIGS. 3C-D show a detail of the piece of furniture according to figures 1 and 2, wherein the table leaf is in the stowed position;
  • FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention
  • FIG. 9 shows a detail of the piece of furniture of figures 5-8.
  • a piece of kitchen furniture 2 (figure 1) is provided with an outward foldable table leaf 4.
  • table leaf 4 In its horizontal position of use table leaf 4 rests on separate table leg 6.
  • This separate table leg 6 can also be used as coffee table, standing table or side table.
  • Table leaf 4 can be tilted upward as according to arrow A.
  • On its upper side table leaf 4 comprises two extendable pins 8 which fit into a recess (not shown) in an upper part of upper cabinets 9, the recess being provided for instance in a top cover or cover plank.
  • Table leaf 4 can be locked in the vertical position by extending the pins 8.
  • Table leaf 4 lies at a height of about 90 cm.
  • the height of the piece of furniture 2 is about 230 cm. This means that table leaf 4 has a length of about 140 cm.
  • the table leaf can be locked in or unlocked from its vertical stowed position by means of handle 10 (figure 2) . Use is made for this purpose of extendable pins 8 which slide into a guide 12. Table leaf 4 can be displaced along the piece of furniture as according to arrow B. In unlocked state table leaf 4 can be moved as according to arrow A into the horizontal position of use.
  • Handle 10 preferably takes a childproof form.
  • a certain physical effort is for instance necessary to operate handle 10, for instance more than 10 N, more than 25 N or more than 50 N.
  • two operations are necessary to operate the handle, such as a combination of turning, pushing and/or pulling.
  • the handle is positioned on the table leaf such that in the vertical position of the table leaf the handle is situated at a height of at least 1.5 metres, preferably 2 metres or even higher above the ground. It is of course also possible to apply a different operating element instead of a handle.
  • the invention can be applied in practically all kitchen layouts. Installed for this purpose on the upper side of the kitchen unit is a cove with rail, and the work surface is provided with a recess.
  • the rail or recess is arranged on the ceiling.
  • Table leaf 4 (figures 3A-D) is coupled to a horizontal top surface 14 of the piece of furniture by means of slidable hinge 16.
  • This hinge 16 comprises a T-shaped outer end 18 which is arranged in recess 20 of leaf 4, whereby hinge 16 is slidable relative to top surface 14 as according to arrow B.
  • table leaf 4 rests on free-standing leg 6.
  • table leaf 4 In the vertical position (figures 3C-D) table leaf 4 is locked by sliding pins 8 into recess 21 of element 19 situated on the upper side of the piece of furniture 2.
  • Recess 21 runs over substantially the whole length of the piece of furniture so that, when pins 8 are slid into recess 21, table leaf 4 can slide as according to arrow B but cannot tilt as according to arrow A.
  • recess 20 is embodied as a profile in which the carriage is received.
  • Recess 20 is for instance an extrusion profile in top surface 14.
  • Hinge 16 preferably extends over substantially the whole width of table leaf 4 (depth direction in figures 3A- 3C) .
  • An advantage of the hinge construction as shown in figures 3A-3C is that in the vertical position table leaf 4 protrudes only a minimal distance beyond top surface 14 (figure 3C) . This enhances the appearance of the piece of furniture according to the invention. The design freedom is preserved here. Moreover prevented is that possible side walls of the piece of furniture will have to extend far beyond top surface 14 in order to align with table leaf 4 in the vertical position. This also saves space.
  • wall cabinet 22 (figure 4) comprises a table leaf cum sliding door 24 for a number of storage shelves.
  • Table leaf 24 can be unlocked from the vertical position by means of handle 26, after which the leaf 24 can be tilted as according to arrow C to the position of use. In the stowed position table leaf 24 is slidable as according to arrow D.
  • Table leaf 24 is for instance provided on its outer end which is free during use with a roller or wheel which in the vertical position makes contact with the piece of furniture. This enhances smooth sliding of the table leaf along the piece of furniture.
  • cabinet 22 comprises a wheel or roller in the area where the table leaf makes contact in the vertical position.
  • a horizontal top surface 14 (figures 3A-B) of the piece of furniture is provided with a recess 20.
  • a first end zone 18 of a hinge 16 is placed therein. The other end zone of the hinge is coupled to table leaf 4.
  • cabinet 28 comprises two vertical rails 30, 32.
  • Table leaf 34 is coupled to the rails.
  • table leaf 34 comprises an outward folding table leg 36.
  • Leg 36 can be folded up as according to arrow E.
  • Table leaf 34 is vertically displaceable along rails
  • table leaf 34 is slidable along the piece of furniture 28 as according to arrows G. It is noted that in the vertical position an optional inward foldable table leg 36 faces toward the piece of furniture 28, i.e. is hidden from view.
  • Rails 30, 32 are provided on two uprights 38, 40.
  • Uprights 38, 40 preferably form part of a whole frame.
  • Uprights 38, 40 are horizontally slidable in that they are coupled to the piece of furniture by means of hook parts.
  • the figure shows only hook part 42 of upright 40. Hook part 42 engages round horizontal top surface 44 and is
  • Table leaf 34 is coupled to rails 30, 32 by means of hinge 46. This makes the pivot point of table leaf 34 vertically displaceable.
  • a piece of furniture such as a room divider, can for instance be provided on two sides with an outward foldable table leaf.

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  • Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
  • Combinations Of Kitchen Furniture (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a piece of furniture provided with an outward foldable table leaf and a method therefor. The table leaf herein comprises an outer end coupled to the piece of furniture for pivoting around a substantially horizontal pivot axis by means of a first coupling means such that the table leaf is pivotable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, characterized in that a second coupling means is present for holding the table leaf in the vertical position, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf is slidable in a substantially horizontal direction along the piece of furniture, wherein the second coupling means holds the table leaf in the vertical position such that the table leaf is prevented from being able to fold outward unintentionally during sliding thereof.

Description

PIECE OF FURNI TURE PROVIDED WI TH OUTWARD FOLDABLE TABLE LEAF AND ME THOD THEREFOR
The invention relates to pieces of furniture provided with an outward foldable table leaf. Such furniture saves space since the table can be stowed by being folded away. The pieces of furniture are for instance cabinets.
Cabinets are known in practice which are provided on the front side with a table leaf which can be folded outward from a vertical stowed position, wherein the leaf is situated on the front side of the piece of furniture, to a horizontal position of use. Although such cabinets result in a certain space-saving, there is the problem that access to the cabinet is blocked when the table leaf is in folded-up position. The cabinet is only accessible by folding out the table leaf, which is awkward.
An object of the invention is to obviate the above stated problem and to provide a piece of furniture with an outward foldable table leaf, wherein the combination of the piece of furniture and table leaf does not limit the function of either, or hardly so, or even enhances it.
This object is achieved with the piece of furniture provided with an outward foldable table leaf according to the invention, wherein the table leaf comprises an outer end coupled to the piece of furniture for pivoting around a substantially horizontal pivot axis by means of a first coupling means such that the table leaf is pivotable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, characterized in that a second coupling means is present for holding the table leaf in the vertical position, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf is slidable in a substantially horizontal direction along the piece of furniture, wherein the second coupling means holds the table leaf in the vertical position such that the table leaf is prevented from being able to fold outward unintentionally during sliding thereof.
The piece of furniture is for instance a cabinet, wall units, room divider or kitchen furniture.
The table leaf being slidable in the vertical position achieves that the piece of furniture is also accessible when the table leaf is in this vertical folded-up position. In the vertical position the table leaf functions as a sliding door in the piece of furniture. This creates a space-saving, wherein the normal function of the piece of furniture is maintained .
In the vertical position the table leaf functions as sliding door, whereby objects placed in the piece of furniture, such as pots and pans, are hidden from view, this giving a tidy appearance. This is particularly advantageous for a home office, wherein documents, files and equipment can be concealed from view and a worktable created in the horizontal position of the table leaf.
Providing the second coupling means achieves that the table leaf can be held in the vertical position. This prevents the table leaf unintentionally folding partially or wholly outward, for instance during sliding of the table leaf .
The second coupling means comprises a fixing means for holding the table leaf in the vertical position. The fixing means for instance comprises a locking body such as a pin and/or a spring-mounted element which acts on the table leaf in the vertical position with a predetermined force such that the leaf is held in the vertical position. Additionally or alternatively, the fixing means comprises a magnetic element for holding the table leaf in the vertical position.
The second coupling means particularly prevents unintended pivoting of the table leaf while still allowing a horizontal movement along the piece of furniture.
The second coupling means preferably comprises a locking means for holding the table leaf in the vertical position. The second coupling means can hereby be locked and unlocked. The table leaf can hereby be locked in or unlocked from the vertical position. The second coupling means therefore achieves that the table leaf can be locked in the vertical position such that the table leaf is prevented from being able to fold out unintentionally during sliding thereof .
In other words, when the second coupling means is locked, it blocks pivoting of the table leaf. Horizontal displacement is however possible when the second coupling means is locked. A lockable and unlockable blocking means is optionally provided for respectively blocking and releasing a horizontal movement of the table leaf in the vertical position .
The second coupling means for instance comprises a guide which is arranged on a floor, or preferably on a ceiling, and which can be coupled to an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use.
The second coupling means is preferably embodied such that an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use can be coupled releasably to the piece of furniture. Such a coupling means is for instance a rail or rail hinge.
The first and second coupling means are preferably adapted such that in the horizontal position the table leaf is also slidable along the piece of furniture in the horizontal direction. In a preferred embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, in the vertical position an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use is situated above the outer end coupled to the piece of furniture.
This means that the table leaf can be tilted upward from its substantially horizontal position of use.
The fact that the table leaf can be tilted upward achieves that the maximum length of the table leaf is greater than that of a table leaf which can be tilted downward. In the case of a downward tilting table leaf the maximum length of the table leaf is defined by the distance of the pivot axis from the floor. Since it is desirable for the table to be at a typical table height of about 70-120 cm when it is folded outward, the pivot axis will be located at such a distance from the floor, whereby the table length is limited to about 70-120 cm. In the case of an upward tilting table leaf however, the distance of the pivot axis from the ceiling or the upper side of the piece of furniture forms the limitation to the length of the table leaf. This makes it possible to realize maximum lengths of 200 cm or more, depending of course per case on the delimiting dimensions.
The table leaf, or sliding panel/door, has dimensions of for instance 140 x 120 cm.
A further advantage is that a user having to bend over in order to fold out the table is avoided. The movement involved in folding the table leaf downward is less taxing for a user.
Particularly advantageous is the combination of the second coupling means and the fact that the table leaf can be tilted upward. Without the second coupling means the table leaf tends to fold outward under the influence of the force of gravity. The second coupling means prevents this. In a preferred embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention the first coupling means
comprises a hinge and the piece of furniture comprises a guide to which the hinge can be coupled such that it is slidable in substantially the horizontal direction along the piece of furniture.
This is for instance a metal guide, for instance an aluminium guide and/or a metal hinge. There is therefore metal on metal guiding.
In a further preferred embodiment the piece of
furniture comprises a horizontal element such as a top surface or plate and the guide is embodied as a recess provided therein, and the slidable hinge can be coupled to the guide by means of a guide carriage arranged in the recess.
The guide carriage provides for a bearing-mounted guiding of the slidable hinge.
The guide carriage achieves that the table leaf is slidable with little friction.
The guide carriage is preferably enclosed in the recess, i.e. the guide carriage lies in the recess such that it cannot be removed therefrom in simple manner.
This prevents easy removal of the table leaf. It moreover results in a more stable construction since the table leaf cannot be lifted out of its position.
In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the second coupling means comprises an extendable element or a recess provided in or on the table leaf.
The extendable element fits into a corresponding recess in the piece of furniture or in a ceiling. In the case that the second coupling means comprises a recess, this fits round an extendable element provided on a piece of furniture or on a ceiling. Sliding the extendable element into the recess achieves a locking with which the table leaf is held in the vertical position. By sliding the element out of the recess the table leaf is unlocked and can be moved to the horizontal
position.
On its outer end which is free during use the table leaf comprises for instance one or more extendable
protrusions which fit into a recess arranged in the piece of furniture .
Alternatively, the extendable element or the recess can be provided on the ceiling or the floor instead of on the piece of furniture.
The recess is preferably provided with a profile arranged therein, for instance of metal.
In the horizontal position of use the table leaf preferably rests on a separate table leg which can also be used individually, for instance as coffee table, standing table or side table.
In an alternative embodiment according to the invention the piece of furniture comprises an outward foldable table leg connected to the table leaf.
In the folded-away position the outward foldable table leg is preferably recessed into the table leaf, i.e. in any case partly received in a recess or opening intended for the purpose.
In an embodiment according to the invention the piece of furniture comprises locking means for blocking the sliding of the table leaf in the horizontal position.
Although the invention allows an embodiment in which the table leaf can also slide in the horizontal position, for instance by lifting the leaf slightly during sliding and optionally a blocking in a substantially horizontal
position, it may however be desirable to prevent this sliding. The locking means can for instance comprise a locking provided in the first coupling means.
In an embodiment according to the invention the first coupling means is embodied such that the table leaf is rotatable around a substantially horizontal rotation axis extending substantially perpendicularly of the piece of furniture .
This means that the table leaf is rotatable about its longitudinal axis.
By giving the table leaf a rotatable form in such a manner the surface situated on the upper side in the horizontal position of use can be turned over. This used surface will hereby be on the outside in the vertical stowed position of the table leaf. This prevents the used surface, which can become dirty, facing toward the piece of furniture in the stowed position, whereby the piece of furniture or objects stored in the piece of furniture can become dirty.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with an outward foldable table leg connected to the table leaf. Because the table leaf is rotatable, in the vertical stowed position of the table leaf the table leg will be on the side of the piece of furniture where it is hidden from view.
The first coupling means is for instance embodied as a ball joint or ball hinge.
In an embodiment according to the invention the guide and/or the first coupling means comprise a magnetic element.
This achieves that no pins or catches are necessary for the purpose of realizing the piece of furniture according to the invention.
In a preferred embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention the first coupling means is embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf rests at least partially on the piece of furniture at the outer end coupled to the piece of furniture.
The piece of furniture comprises for instance a horizontal element such as a top surface or plate, and the first coupling means comprises a hinge which is arranged on the lowermost zone of the horizontal element and is also coupled to the table leaf, wherein the distance from the rotation point of the hinge to the table leaf is such that in the vertical position of use the table leaf rests with its lower short side on the horizontal element.
In a preferred embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention the first coupling means
comprises a damping means.
The damping means achieves that the movement of the table leaf from the vertical position to the horizontal position is damped. This achieves a safe use of the table, and damage is moreover prevented.
Particularly advantageous is the combination of the damping means and the blocking means for blocking the table leaf in the horizontal position. Owing to this combination a table leaf which is being tilted downward can simply be released, after which the table leaf moves with a damped movement to the horizontal position of use, where the movement is ended by the blocking means.
The first coupling means comprises for instance a damped hinge.
In an embodiment according to the invention the piece of furniture comprises a switch arranged at a position such that it is activated when the table leaf is situated in the vertical position and/or horizontal position. This achieves that an electronic circuit can be disabled or enabled when the table leaf is moved from its horizontal position to its vertical position, or vice versa. Lighting is for instance switched on or off. Another embodiment relates to application of the invention in a kitchen. The piece of kitchen furniture comprises here a gas cooker or electric cooker. When the table leaf is placed in the vertical position the switch is activated, after which the cooker is shut off from gas or electricity. This enhances safety.
Alternatively or additionally, the second coupling means is embodied as a spring-mounted element which co-acts with the first coupling means. The coupling means are for instance integrated as a hinge with a spring tensioning. The spring tensioning is preferably selected such that it holds the table leaf with a predetermined force in the vertical position, wherein the spring tensioning is smaller than the force necessary to move the table leaf from the horizontal position to the vertical position. This achieves that the spring tension is not so great that the table leaf folds up automatically, while it is sufficiently great to prevent the leaf folding out unintentionally. Alternatively or
additionally, the second coupling means comprises a magnetic element.
In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the piece of furniture comprises at least one vertical guide which is provided on the piece of furniture such that it is slidable horizontally along the piece of furniture, wherein the first coupling means is connected to the at least one vertical guide such that the first coupling means is vertically displaceable along the vertical guide.
In this embodiment the outer end of the table leaf which is free during use preferably lies in the vertical position under an outer end of the table leaf which is coupled to the guide. In other words, the table leaf preferably folds downward from the horizontal to the vertical position, wherein the first coupling means moves upward along the guide.
Despite the table leaf being tilted downward here from the horizontal position to the vertical position, a table leaf of a relatively great length can nevertheless be applied. This in contrast to foldable table leafs wherein the coupling means is not vertically displaceable .
A further advantage is that the side of the table leaf which is the bottom side in the horizontal position is also concealed from view in the vertical position. This side does not therefore need to be finished, which saves costs. An optional fold-away table leg provided on the underside of the table leaf is also concealed from view in the vertical position .
A fixing means such as a locking means is for instance arranged on the free outer end of the table leaf to hold the table leaf in the vertical position.
The invention further relates to a method for providing a piece of furniture with an outward foldable table leaf so as to obtain a piece of furniture as described above.
The same advantages and effects apply for such a method as described above for the piece of furniture provided with an outward foldable table leaf.
Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred
embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings .
- Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, wherein the table leaf is in the horizontal position; - Figure 2 shows the piece of furniture according to figure 1, wherein the table leaf cum sliding door is in the vertical position;
- Figures 3A-B show a side view of the piece of furniture according to figures 1 and 2, wherein the table leaf is in the position of use, wherein figure 3A shows a partially cross-sectional detail view of 3B;
- Figures 3C-D show a detail of the piece of furniture according to figures 1 and 2, wherein the table leaf is in the stowed position;
- Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention;
- Figures 5-8 show an alternative embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention; and
- Figure 9 shows a detail of the piece of furniture of figures 5-8.
A piece of kitchen furniture 2 (figure 1) is provided with an outward foldable table leaf 4. In its horizontal position of use table leaf 4 rests on separate table leg 6. This separate table leg 6 can also be used as coffee table, standing table or side table. Table leaf 4 can be tilted upward as according to arrow A. On its upper side table leaf 4 comprises two extendable pins 8 which fit into a recess (not shown) in an upper part of upper cabinets 9, the recess being provided for instance in a top cover or cover plank. Table leaf 4 can be locked in the vertical position by extending the pins 8.
Table leaf 4 lies at a height of about 90 cm. The height of the piece of furniture 2 is about 230 cm. This means that table leaf 4 has a length of about 140 cm.
The table leaf can be locked in or unlocked from its vertical stowed position by means of handle 10 (figure 2) . Use is made for this purpose of extendable pins 8 which slide into a guide 12. Table leaf 4 can be displaced along the piece of furniture as according to arrow B. In unlocked state table leaf 4 can be moved as according to arrow A into the horizontal position of use.
Handle 10 preferably takes a childproof form. A certain physical effort is for instance necessary to operate handle 10, for instance more than 10 N, more than 25 N or more than 50 N. In another example two operations are necessary to operate the handle, such as a combination of turning, pushing and/or pulling. In another example the handle is positioned on the table leaf such that in the vertical position of the table leaf the handle is situated at a height of at least 1.5 metres, preferably 2 metres or even higher above the ground. It is of course also possible to apply a different operating element instead of a handle.
It is noted that the invention can be applied in practically all kitchen layouts. Installed for this purpose on the upper side of the kitchen unit is a cove with rail, and the work surface is provided with a recess.
Alternatively, the rail or recess is arranged on the ceiling.
Table leaf 4 (figures 3A-D) is coupled to a horizontal top surface 14 of the piece of furniture by means of slidable hinge 16. This hinge 16 comprises a T-shaped outer end 18 which is arranged in recess 20 of leaf 4, whereby hinge 16 is slidable relative to top surface 14 as according to arrow B. In the horizontal position (figures 3A-B) table leaf 4 rests on free-standing leg 6. In the vertical position (figures 3C-D) table leaf 4 is locked by sliding pins 8 into recess 21 of element 19 situated on the upper side of the piece of furniture 2. Recess 21 runs over substantially the whole length of the piece of furniture so that, when pins 8 are slid into recess 21, table leaf 4 can slide as according to arrow B but cannot tilt as according to arrow A.
Use is preferably made of a carriage instead of T-piece 18. In this case recess 20 is embodied as a profile in which the carriage is received. Recess 20 is for instance an extrusion profile in top surface 14.
Hinge 16 preferably extends over substantially the whole width of table leaf 4 (depth direction in figures 3A- 3C) . An advantage of the hinge construction as shown in figures 3A-3C is that in the vertical position table leaf 4 protrudes only a minimal distance beyond top surface 14 (figure 3C) . This enhances the appearance of the piece of furniture according to the invention. The design freedom is preserved here. Moreover prevented is that possible side walls of the piece of furniture will have to extend far beyond top surface 14 in order to align with table leaf 4 in the vertical position. This also saves space.
In this embodiment wall cabinet 22 (figure 4) comprises a table leaf cum sliding door 24 for a number of storage shelves. Table leaf 24 can be unlocked from the vertical position by means of handle 26, after which the leaf 24 can be tilted as according to arrow C to the position of use. In the stowed position table leaf 24 is slidable as according to arrow D.
Table leaf 24 is for instance provided on its outer end which is free during use with a roller or wheel which in the vertical position makes contact with the piece of furniture. This enhances smooth sliding of the table leaf along the piece of furniture. Alternatively, cabinet 22 comprises a wheel or roller in the area where the table leaf makes contact in the vertical position.
In order to provide a piece of furniture with an outward foldable table leaf, a horizontal top surface 14 (figures 3A-B) of the piece of furniture is provided with a recess 20. A first end zone 18 of a hinge 16 is placed therein. The other end zone of the hinge is coupled to table leaf 4.
In a second embodiment (figure 5) cabinet 28 comprises two vertical rails 30, 32. Table leaf 34 is coupled to the rails. In this embodiment table leaf 34 comprises an outward folding table leg 36. Leg 36 can be folded up as according to arrow E.
Table leaf 34 is vertically displaceable along rails
30, 32 as according to arrow F (figure 6). The table leaf will simultaneously pivot here to a vertical position
(figure 7) . In the final vertical position (figure 8) table leaf 34 is slidable along the piece of furniture 28 as according to arrows G. It is noted that in the vertical position an optional inward foldable table leg 36 faces toward the piece of furniture 28, i.e. is hidden from view.
Rails 30, 32 are provided on two uprights 38, 40.
Uprights 38, 40 preferably form part of a whole frame.
Uprights 38, 40 are horizontally slidable in that they are coupled to the piece of furniture by means of hook parts. The figure shows only hook part 42 of upright 40. Hook part 42 engages round horizontal top surface 44 and is
displaceable in the horizontal direction. Use is for instance made for this purpose of a guide carriage in top surface 44, or a wheel or roller is arranged. Table leaf 34 is coupled to rails 30, 32 by means of hinge 46. This makes the pivot point of table leaf 34 vertically displaceable.
The present invention is by no means limited to the above described embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. A piece of furniture, such as a room divider, can for instance be provided on two sides with an outward foldable table leaf.

Claims

1. Piece of furniture provided with an outward foldable table leaf, wherein the table leaf comprises an outer end coupled to the piece of furniture for pivoting around a substantially horizontal pivot axis by means of a first coupling means such that the table leaf is pivotable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position, characterized in that a second coupling means is present for holding the table leaf in the vertical position, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf is slidable in a substantially horizontal direction along the piece of furniture, wherein the second coupling means holds the table leaf in the vertical position such that the table leaf is prevented from being able to fold outward unintentionally during sliding thereof .
2. Piece of furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the vertical position an outer end of the table leaf which is free during use is situated above the outer end coupled to the piece of furniture.
3. Piece of furniture as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coupling means comprises a hinge and the piece of furniture comprises a guide to which the hinge can be coupled such that it is slidable in substantially the horizontal direction along the piece of furniture.
4. Piece of furniture as claimed in claim 3, wherein the piece of furniture comprises a horizontal element and the guide is embodied as a recess provided therein, and the slidable hinge can be coupled to the guide by means of a guide carriage arranged in the recess.
5. Piece of furniture as claimed in claim 4, wherein the guide carriage is enclosed in the recess.
6. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-5, wherein the second coupling means comprises an extendable element or a recess provided in or on the table leaf.
7. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-6, comprising an outward foldable table leg connected to the table leaf.
8. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-7, comprising locking means for blocking the sliding of the table leaf in the horizontal position.
9. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-8, wherein the first coupling means is embodied such that the table leaf is rotatable around a substantially horizontal rotation axis extending substantially
perpendicularly of the piece of furniture.
10. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-9, wherein the guide and/or the first coupling means comprise a magnetic element.
11. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-10, wherein the first coupling means is embodied such that in the vertical position the table leaf rests at least partially on the piece of furniture at the outer end coupled to the piece of furniture.
12. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-11, wherein the first coupling means comprises a damping means.
13. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-12, comprising a switch arranged at a position such that it is activated when the table leaf is situated in the vertical position and/or horizontal position.
14. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-13, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means are integrated as a hinge with a spring tensioning .
15. Piece of furniture as claimed in at least one of the claims 1-14, further comprising at least one vertical guide which is provided on the piece of furniture such that the at least one guide is slidable horizontally along the piece of furniture, wherein the first coupling means is connected to the at least one vertical guide such that the first coupling means is vertically displaceable along the vertical guide.
16. Method for providing a piece of furniture with an outward foldable table leaf so as to obtain a piece of furniture as described in at least one of the foregoing claims .
PCT/NL2012/050164 2011-03-17 2012-03-16 Piece of furniture provided with outward foldable table leaf and method therefor WO2012125038A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2006412A NL2006412C2 (en) 2011-03-17 2011-03-17 FURNITURE WITH FOLDABLE TABLE TOP AND METHOD FOR THIS.
NL2006412 2011-03-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012125038A2 true WO2012125038A2 (en) 2012-09-20
WO2012125038A3 WO2012125038A3 (en) 2012-11-08

Family

ID=45928982

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NL2012/050164 WO2012125038A2 (en) 2011-03-17 2012-03-16 Piece of furniture provided with outward foldable table leaf and method therefor

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Country Link
NL (1) NL2006412C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012125038A2 (en)

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GB2529709A (en) * 2014-09-01 2016-03-02 Dura Ltd Modular floor-standing workstation
US9381605B2 (en) 2013-09-05 2016-07-05 Hmc Holdings, Llc Collapsible workstation

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US9381605B2 (en) 2013-09-05 2016-07-05 Hmc Holdings, Llc Collapsible workstation
GB2529709A (en) * 2014-09-01 2016-03-02 Dura Ltd Modular floor-standing workstation

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Publication number Publication date
NL2006412C2 (en) 2012-09-18
WO2012125038A3 (en) 2012-11-08

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